Malaria (Malaria) is a parasitic disease caused by the infection of Plasmodium, which is transmitted by the infected female mosquitoes (Anopheles). Malaria is mainly endemic in the tropics and subtropical regions and is one of the serious public health threats globally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), malaria causes millions of cases and hundreds of thousands of deaths each year, especially among children and pregnant women. This paper will provide detailed information on the symptoms of malaria infection and treatment methods to help the public to better understand and respond to the disease.
I. Symptoms of malaria infection
The clinical performance of malaria varies according to the type of malaria infested, the immune status of the patient and the severity of the infection. Common malarial species include Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale, Plasmodium malariae and Plasmodium knowlesi. The main symptoms of malaria are as follows:
(i) Typical symptoms
Typical symptoms of malaria are typically manifested in cyclical cold fighting, heat and sweat, known as the “Malaria Triple”.
1. Cold war
The patient suddenly felt cold and had a cold war lasting 15 minutes to 1 hour.
The cold fighting was accompanied by paleness and cold limbs.
High heat
With the end of the cold war, the patient ‘ s body temperature rose rapidly to 39-41°C for several hours.
Patients may experience whole-body symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vomiting and muscular acidity during high fever.
Sweat
After a high fever, the patient sweats heavily, the body temperature gradually drops to normal and then heaviness.
(ii) Other common symptoms
1. All-body symptoms
Symptoms such as headaches, inefficiency, muscle and joint pains, ablution, etc.
Symptoms of the digestive system
Disgusting, vomiting, diarrhoea or abdominal pain are common, especially among children.
Anaemia
The falciparum destroys red cells and causes anaemia in the form of pale skin, heart attack and short air.
4. Large spleen
Long-term infected persons may have spleen swollen, accompanied by discomfort or stress.
(iii) Symptoms of severe malaria
Plasmodium falciparum infection can lead to severe malaria in the following life-threatening symptoms:
1. Brain malaria
Neural system symptoms such as cognitive disorders, comas, convulsions, etc.
2. Severe anaemia
Massive red cell damage leads to severe anaemia, which can endanger life.
3. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
Pulmonary stress causes respiratory difficulties and low oxygen haematosis.
4. Polyorgan failure
Including kidney failure, liver function failure and cyclic failure.
Low blood sugar
Particularly among pregnant women and children, it is common and can lead to coma or death.
II. Treatment of malaria
Malaria treatment is based on antimalarial drugs, which combines treatment support and treatment of complications. Early diagnosis and timely treatment are key to reducing disease and death rates.
(i) Treatment of antimalarial drugs
1. Common antimalarial drugs
Artemisin-type drugs, such as artemisinin-based amethrin, dual-hydro-artemisynthesis and artemisinin-based ether, are the preferred drugs for the treatment of malign malaria and have the effect of rapidly killing malarial parasites.
Chloroxin: The infection of Plasmodium Plasmodium falciparum and Triday falciparum is effective, but less effective in falciparum-resistant areas.
Queening: Cases of severe malaria or resistance to other drugs have more side effects.
BERUMA: Hepatic hibernation for the removal of stammers and eggs to prevent recurrence.
2. Joint treatment programmes
The World Health Organization recommends the use of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), such as artemisinin-based amethrin-phenol combination therapies, for the treatment of malignant malaria.
Joint treatment improves the efficacy of treatment and reduces drug resistance.
Treatment attention
The choice of medicines should be determined by the type of malarial parasite, the resistance of the affected area and the age, weight and health status of the patient.
Pregnant women, children and the under-immunized need to pay particular attention to the safety of drugs and to dose adjustments.
(ii) Patient support treatment
1. Reheating treatment
High-heat symptoms are mitigated by the use of acetaminophenol or brophens.
Avoiding the use of aspirin to prevent the risk of haemorrhage.
Remediation and electrolyte balance
For patients with vomiting or diarrhoea, the liquid and electrolyte should be replenished in a timely manner to prevent dehydration.
3. Anaemia treatment
In cases of severe anaemia, blood transfusion treatment may be considered to improve the symptoms.
4. Complication management
Brain malaria: The provision of antimalarial drugs is accompanied by a combination of cranial pressure and convulsion.
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: Provide oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation support.
Renal failure: dialysis treatment if necessary.
(iii) Treatment of severe malaria
1. Hospitalization
Patients with severe malaria need to be hospitalized under close supervision and integrated treatment.
2. Vectoric acid
For patients who are unable to take oral drugs, intravenously, artemisinin-based amethrin or Quinning can be injected.
3. Multidisciplinary collaboration
Serious malaria often involves multi-organ dysfunctions and requires multidisciplinary and collaborative treatment, including infectious, serious medical, etc.
III. Malaria prevention
Preventive measures for malaria include personal protection, environmental governance and drug prevention.
(i) Personal protection
1. Avoiding mosquito bites
Use of mosquito nets, insecticides and mosquito-resistant sprays, long-sleeved clothing to reduce skin exposure.
2. Avoiding high-risk areas
Avoid, if necessary, travel to malaria-endemic areas, especially for pregnant women and children.
(ii) Environmental governance
1. Elimination of mosquito breeding grounds
Clear water and reduce the environment in which mosquitoes breed.
2. Insecticide spraying
Insecticides are regularly sprayed in malaria-endemic areas to reduce mosquito density.
(iii) Drug prevention
1. Chemical prevention
For those travelling to malaria-endemic areas, antimalarial drugs (e.g., chlorptunium, chlorfluoride or dosicocycline) can be administered under medical supervision.
2. Intermittent preventive treatment
For high-risk groups (e.g. pregnant women and children), antimalarial drugs are regularly administered to reduce the risk of infection.
(iv) Immunization
1. RTS, S/AS01 Malaria vaccine
The current prevalence in some high-prevalence areas can significantly reduce the risk of childhood infection and severe malaria.
Concluding remarks
Malaria is a serious infectious disease, but through early diagnosis, standardized treatment and effective prevention, most patients can fully recover and avoid complications. The public should raise awareness of malaria, especially in malaria-endemic areas, and take personal protection measures, timely access to and regular treatment. In the future, as antimalarial drugs and vaccines develop further, malaria control will become more efficient and will provide strong support to the global goal of eliminating malaria.
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